GUADALAJARA, Mexico -- Carlos Pena has made a name for himself in professional baseball, from hitting 286 home runs over parts of 14 Major League seasons to serving as a commentator on MLB Network and on several of his former teams’ broadcasts.
But in the spring of 2025, Pena took on a different challenge, that of becoming general manager of the Leones del Escogido, a team coming off a Dominican League (LIDOM) championship and subsequently the Caribbean Series title in Mexicali in 2024-25. After a 2025-26 regular season of ups and downs, including the dismissal of Rangers hitting coach Alex Cintron as manager in early December, the Leones club constructed by Pena managed to qualify for the playoffs with new skipper Ramon Santiago, and they eventually defeated the Toros del Este in the championship series to win their second straight LIDOM title.
So far, so good this week for the Leones at the 2026 Caribbean Series at Gualadajara’s Estadio Panamericano de Béisbol. The Dominican squad is 2-0 in the round-robin stage and is one win away from a spot in one of Friday’s semifinals.
All Caribbean Series games will air live on MLB Network and stream on MLBN Direct-To-Consumer and MLB.TV. View the full Caribbean Series schedule here.
“We want to win, and we know it’s tough,” Pena said. “The opponents we face are good teams, and we have to come out and get the hit, make the play, make the pitch and win between the lines in every inning. I’m fully focused, but trying to enjoy every moment. We don’t take anyone lightly. We have to come prepared. We’re going to follow all the processes to the fullest. Total commitment. 100%. That’s the energy we have. We don’t take anything for granted.
“In a Caribbean Series tournament, every play makes a difference. We have to win at the micro level. I’m talking about the analytics, the preparation, the systems, the processes. Here, you can’t take anything for granted. You have to know how to focus. It’s easier said than done.”
Navigating the difference between being a player, or even a commentator, and assembling a team as a general manager isn’t an easy task. Pena has experienced it this winter season.
“As a player, I felt I could contribute with a hit or make a play,” Pena said. “You want to help your team win. As a general manager, we can’t do that. So, there’s a certain discipline you need to have as a GM.
“I do everything I can to give them everything I can, to give our coaches information, to guide them. The same goes for the players. Give them everything they need so that their talent can flourish to the fullest on the field. And then I have to sit back and watch them play. That’s the hardest part about being a GM. Because once the umpire says 'play ball,' it’s over. I have to let it flow. That takes a lot of discipline.”
Could Pena have designs on being part of a Major League team’s front office in the future?
“I see it as possible,” he said. “I think it would be a tremendous experience. And I’m interested in doing it.
“How could I assemble a team in a way that maximizes my players, optimizes systems and seeks efficiency and effectiveness? And then, ultimately, pursue the results after an elite-level preparation and organizational process. I’ve always been interested in that. And why not do it in Major League Baseball or something like the World Baseball Classic?”